GAA Handball are saddened to learn of the death has occurred of Thomas (Tom) O'Connor, Bray, Wicklow / Dungarvan, Waterford
Thomas (Tom) O’Connor, late of Bray, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and former teacher at Presentation College, Bray, passed away peacefully on 29th August, 2022, in the loving care of the staff at Kinvara House Nursing Home, Bray.
Beloved husband of the late Mary, lovingly remembered by his children David, Alan, Cathrice, Lisa, Claire, Seán, Siobhán, Rónán and Colm, his cherished grandchildren Jack, Daniel, Ella, Cassie, Kyle, Adam, Anna, John, Iris, Moya, Ruadhán and Oisín, brother Nicholas, daughters-in-law Yolanda, Amanda and Rachel, sons-in-law John and David, Lisa’s partner Paul, Colm’s partner Aoife, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by his brother Seán.
Reposing at Colliers Funeral Home, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray on Thursday (1st September) from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Friday (2nd September) at 10.30am in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Putland Road, Bray followed by burial in Shanganagh Cemetery.
The Mass may be viewed online at churchservices.tv/brayqueenofpeace. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland
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For people who did not know the late Tom O'Connor, as well as those who knew him, it is important to record that he made an immense contribution to the development and promotion of one-wall handball at a time when the code was in its infancy. He researched the game not only in Ireland but in many other countries where any variety of handball was played.
His initial project was to make lasting contacts with Kerry Wilde and Howard Jones in the village of Nelson, Wales where they organised Ireland v Wales tournaments in their court. He established relationships with English Fives and organised visits to schools in London and Blackpool where Irish players took on the best of the English.
His research led him to establish contacts with the Basque Country, the Netherlands, France, Argentina, New York, India, South Africa and several other countries where any variety of handball was played to the point where some countries took part in World Championships for the first time.
It is in great part due to his remarkable work and tireless efforts that we are now part of a much wider handball family for which the future looks very bright.
Tom did not get the credit he deserved for his contribution to research, the development of the one-wall game and the history of all sorts of codes of handball in many countries. He never sought recognition; his love for the game was an adequate reward for him. He contributed several articles for our Top Ace and international magazines which should be republished as a tribute to him.
Tom O'Connor was one of the stalwarts of handball to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude.
Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh aige.
By Lorcan O'Rourke, Former GAA Handball National Manager